Clinical Assistant Professor Texas A&M College of Dentistry, Texas, United States
Abstract:
Objective: The LGBTQ community face health disparities which oral health providers (OHP) can unknowingly contribute to through personal bias, lack of knowledge, and denial of care. These barriers can result in avoidance and delay of care, and ultimately lead to poor oral health outcomes. This review aims to propose LGBTQ healthcare topics for curriculum incorporation, as a future aid, and current resources available, as an immediate aid, to assist in providing equitable care.
Method: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Baylor Health Sciences Library. Key terms used in the search included “LGBTQ,” “dental,” and “education.” Articles that were in a full text format, English, and published after 2000 were included.
Results: Incorporation of LGBTQ healthcare topics into dental education is needed, especially to promote equitable care and allow future OHP to be equipped to do so. This need was as shown by the opinions of dental students, LGBTQ patients, and minimal incorporation of LGBTQ content into curriculum.
Conclusion: A foundation for potential training was found to include key topics such as bias, health disparities, inclusive communication, relevant medications, and health history. Continued investigation is needed to evaluate the degree of incorporation and effectiveness of current LGBTQ content in dental education; and a dental school’s current level of preparation for LGBTQ care. Finally, it is proposed that more training programs are created specifically for OHP and that the LGBTQ+ community and allies assist in this effort to promote accessible, inclusive, and equitable care starting with future OHP.
Source of Funding: Texas Retains and Recruits HRSA Grant
